The Barbarian Movie: 5 Shocking Twists That Redefined Horror, Plus Director Zach Cregger’s 2025 Release

As of December 2025, the most talked-about film associated with the keyword "The Barbarian Movie" is the 2022 horror phenomenon, *Barbarian*, a movie that shattered expectations with its relentless and unpredictable plot structure. Directed by Zach Cregger, this sleeper hit transcended the typical Airbnb horror trope, delivering a masterclass in tension, social commentary, and genuine shock, earning critical acclaim for its daring narrative shifts and unforgettable villain, "The Mother." This article dives deep into the unsettling world of the 2022 film, exploring the key cast and crew who brought it to life, and, most importantly, providing the latest, up-to-date information on director Zach Cregger’s highly anticipated next projects, including the 2025 horror feature, *Weapons*, which is currently scheduled for release in August 2025.

The Masterminds of Modern Horror: Cast and Director Profiles

The success of *Barbarian* (2022) lies in the brilliant execution by its core creative and acting team, who were able to pivot between genres—from an awkward meet-cute thriller to a full-blown creature feature—without losing the audience.

Zach Cregger: Writer and Director

• Role: Writer and Director (Solo Screenwriting/Directorial Debut)
• Background: Cregger is a former member of the sketch comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U’ Know, which made his pivot to dark horror a significant and surprising element of the film’s reception.
• Style: Known for using humor and awkward tension to disarm the audience before delivering brutal, unexpected horror.
• Upcoming Projects: Directing the 2025 horror film *Weapons* and is linked to an upcoming *Resident Evil* film in 2026.

Georgina Campbell as Tess Marshall

• Role: Tess Marshall, a young woman who travels to Detroit for a job interview and finds her rental double-booked.
• Nationality: British.
• Notable Works: *Black Mirror* ("Hang the DJ" episode), *Krypton*.

Bill Skarsgård as Keith Toshko

• Role: Keith Toshko, the mysterious man who has also booked the same Airbnb.
• Nationality: Swedish.
• Notable Works: Pennywise in the *It* films, *Castle Rock*. His horror pedigree added to the initial tension of the film.

Justin Long as AJ Gilbride

• Role: AJ Gilbride, a Hollywood actor and the owner of the rental property.
• Nationality: American.
• Notable Works: *Jeepers Creepers*, *Dodgeball*, *Live Free or Die Hard*. His character’s storyline introduces a significant shift in the film's second act.

5 Shocking Plot Twists and Themes That Define *Barbarian* (2022)

*Barbarian* is not a single story; it is a series of escalating, interconnected nightmares. The film constantly subverts expectations, making it one of the most talked-about horror thrillers of the last few years.

1. The Double-Booked Airbnb Is Just the Beginning

The film begins with a classic setup: Tess Marshall arrives late at night in a desolate Detroit neighborhood for her Airbnb rental only to find it already occupied by Keith Toshko. The initial tension focuses on the awkward situation—should she stay? Can she trust him?—leading the audience to believe the horror will stem from one of the two characters. This initial premise, however, is quickly revealed to be a mere distraction from the true terror lurking beneath the house.

2. The Unseen Horror in the Hidden Tunnels

The real plot twist occurs when the characters discover a hidden door leading to a dark, underground series of tunnels and rooms. This shift transforms the film from a psychological thriller into a subterranean exploration of pure, visceral horror. The tunnels are the home of "The Mother," the film's main antagonist, whose presence is both physically monstrous and psychologically disturbing.

3. The Introduction of AJ Gilbride and the Theme of Gentrification

Midway through the film, the narrative completely shifts focus to Justin Long's character, AJ Gilbride, the entitled Hollywood actor who owns the rental. His arrival, motivated by financial desperation, shifts the film's tone again, introducing themes of male privilege, corporate greed, and gentrification in the decaying urban landscape of Detroit. This structural choice is a masterstroke, forcing the audience to re-evaluate who the real "barbarian" is—the creature in the basement or the morally bankrupt human above ground.

4. The Disturbing Origin of "The Mother"

The film includes a shocking flashback sequence that details the origins of the subterranean horror. It reveals a history of kidnapping, sexual violence, and forced incestuous procreation by a man named Frank, who is the original owner of the home. "The Mother" is the product and victim of this prolonged abuse, a tragic figure whose monstrous nature is a direct result of decades of male violence. This twist grounds the creature feature in a dark social commentary on misogyny and trauma.

5. The Final Act's Subversion of the "Nice Guy" Trope

The movie’s final act reinforces the theme that the most dangerous monsters are often human. The character of AJ, despite his charm, proves to be selfish and cowardly, ultimately sacrificing others for his own survival. The film’s conclusion is a brutal commentary on how society’s "barbarians" often wear the mask of civility and privilege, making it a powerful and unsettling viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Director Zach Cregger’s Highly Anticipated Next Projects (2025 & Beyond)

The immense success of *Barbarian* (2022) immediately propelled director Zach Cregger to the forefront of the horror genre, making his next moves a major talking point in the film industry.

Weapons (2025)

Cregger’s immediate follow-up is the highly anticipated horror film *Weapons*, which is currently scheduled for release in August 2025.

• Release Date: August 8, 2025.
• Studio: New Line Cinema, a division of Warner Bros.
• Status: The film has been moved up on the calendar, a move often seen as a vote of confidence by the studio following positive test screenings.
• Genre/Plot: Described as an ambitious horror epic, *Weapons* is rumored to be a multi-story narrative in the vein of *Magnolia*, though specific plot details are being kept tightly under wraps to preserve the element of surprise, much like *Barbarian*.

The Potential *Resident Evil* Film (2026)

In addition to *Weapons*, Cregger is also attached to an upcoming American horror film based on the *Resident Evil* video game franchise, currently slated for a 2026 release. While details are scarce, his involvement suggests a new, possibly more character-driven and shocking take on the established horror-action universe, further cementing his status as a modern horror auteur.

Addressing the Other "Barbarian": The *Conan* Franchise

It is important to note that the search term "The Barbarian Movie" often refers to the iconic sword-and-sorcery franchise, *Conan the Barbarian*. While the 2022 horror film is the most current and definitive movie with the title *Barbarian*, the *Conan* franchise remains a subject of intense fan speculation. Rumors have persisted for years about a third film in the original Arnold Schwarzenegger series, titled *The Legend of Conan*, which would see an older King Conan on his throne. Furthermore, concept trailers and fan discussions frequently suggest a reboot starring modern action stars like Dwayne Johnson or fantasy actors like Henry Cavill. However, as of late 2025, no official, green-lit production for a new *Conan the Barbarian* film has been confirmed, leaving the 2022 horror film as the current title-holder for the most relevant "Barbarian" movie.